---
name: "XmDataFieldGetSelection"
section: "3"
platform: "linux"
package: "openmotif"
version: "2.3.8-4"
release: "Arch Linux 2026-11-01"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/XmDataFieldGetSelection"
---

# XmDataFieldGetSelection(3)

A DataField function that retrieves the value of the primary selection

## NAME

**XmDataFieldGetSelection** — A DataField function that retrieves the value of the primary selection

## SYNOPSIS

```
#include <Xm/DataF.h>
char * XmDataFieldGetSelection(
Widget widget);
```

## DESCRIPTION

**XmDataFieldGetSelection** retrieves the value of the primary selection. It returns a NULL pointer if no text is selected in the widget. The application is responsible for freeing the storage associated with the string by calling **XtFree**.

- *widget*

  Specifies the DataField widget ID

For a complete definition of DataField and its associated resources, see [**XmDataField**(3)](/XmDataField/3.md).

## RETURN

Returns a character pointer to the string that is associated with the primary selection.

## RELATED

[**XmDataField**(3)](/XmDataField/3.md) and **XmDataFieldGetSelectionWcs**(3).